Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:1-5)

All Things New: That Great Culmination of Our Lives of Faith

Revelation 21:1-5

· Prayerfully rewrite this passage in your own words.

· In what ways does marriage illustrate the coming of the new “holy city” of God’s kingdom at the end of the age?

· In what ways does John seem to be saying that living in family relationships and community points us toward the time when God Himself will dwell with us?

· Does the idea of a day when God will wipe away tears and abolish death, eliminating mourning, crying, and pain bring you comfort as you work through an experience of grief and loss?

This week, from the vantage point of our hurting and broken world, let us look toward the God who is seated on the throne and says, “Behold I am making all things new,” praying, “Even so, come, Lord, Jesus.” Amen.